Lyon to Clermont-Ferrand Road Trip Guide: Scenic Drive & Hidden Gems

This 170-kilometer drive links two of France's most historically significant cities, crossing the Auvergne volcanic landscape. The A89 highway was completed in 2005, reducing travel time to just under two hours without stops. However, the former Route Nationale 89 winds through charming villages and offers a slower alternative with elevated viewpoints.

A key fact: the route passes within 10 kilometers of the Vichy mineral springs, a UNESCO-listed spa town. The A89 itself has sections built over ancient Roman roads, parts of which are still visible near Tarare.

For maximizing your journey, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Fuel and Route Economics

Fuel stations are frequent along the A89, with major stops at approximately every 30 km. The price difference between Lyon and Clermont-Ferrand is negligible, but filling up in the countryside can be cheaper by €0.10/L.

• Lyon area: average €1.80/L for 95 E10
• Outskirts near Tarare: as low as €1.70/L
• Clermont-Ferrand: around €1.75/L

Toll Information

The A89 is tolled from Lyon to Clermont-Ferrand. Total toll for a standard car: €14.50 (as of 2025). Payment options include credit card, cash, or electronic toll pass (e.g., Liber-t). Sections alternate between open and closed toll systems; keep your ticket until the end.

• Entry toll at Lyon entrance: €2.30
• Mid-route tunnel toll (near Thiers): €5.20
• Exit toll at Clermont-Ferrand: €7.00

Road Quality and Safety

The A89 is in excellent condition with well-maintained asphalt, wide shoulders, and clear signage. Speed limit is 130 km/h, dropping to 110 km/h in rain, and 90 km/h on sections with bends. The route includes several long tunnels (e.g., Tunnel de Chalosset: 1.8 km) and bridges over deep gorges. Emergency call boxes are placed every 2 km.

• Accident rate: lower than national average (0.3 incidents per million km)
• Lighting: full LED lighting in all tunnels
• Rest areas: 8 along the A89, with toilets and picnic tables

Natural Landscapes & Attractions

The drive transitions from the Rhône valley's gentle hills to the dramatic volcanic peaks of the Chaîne des Puys, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The most stunning section is near Pontgibaud, where the road cuts through a valley of ancient lava flows.

• Puy de Dôme: the iconic 1,465 m volcano overlooks Clermont-Ferrand
• Gorges de la Sioule: a deep river canyon with hiking trails (detour 15 minutes)
• Lac des Sapins: a recreational lake 20 km off the A89, perfect for a swim

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The Chaîne des Puys-Limagne fault tectonic arena was inscribed in 2018. It is the only UNESCO site directly visible from the highway. Stop at the viewpoint at Panoramique des Dômes, just 5 km from Clermont-Ferrand.

• Site area: 22,423 hectares spanning 30 km north-south
• Number of cinder cones: 80 distinct volcanoes
• Access from A89: take exit 28 (Clermont-Ferrand nord), then D941

Culinary Infrastructure

The region is famous for its cheeses (Saint-Nectaire, Bleu d'Auvergne) and wines (Côtes d'Auvergne). Along the route, you'll find roadside fromageries offering tastings. Notable stops:

• Fromagerie du Mont Rôti (exit 31): family-run, samples of 10 local cheeses
• Pâtisserie Vachon in Noirétable: try the traditional gateau à la broche
• Le Moulin de la Sagne: a restaurant serving aligot (cheese and potato mash) near the A89

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality

The A89 is rated 5 out of 5 for safety by the French highway authority. Guardrails are present on all elevated sections, and there are crash barriers median strips throughout. Winter maintenance is robust: snowplows and salt spreaders are stationed at 20 km intervals.

• Emergency telephones: every 2 km with GPS location
• Speed cameras: fixed at 3 locations (Tarare, Thiers, Pont-du-Château)
• Rest areas: aire de la Borie (parking, picnic, toilets) at km 85

Family and Child Suitability

The drive is very family-friendly, with many rest stops featuring playgrounds. The aire de la Gage at km 60 has a small play area and a petting zoo with goats and sheep.

• Recommended stop: Aire de la Gage (km 60) – play area, clean toilets, coffee vending machine
• Nearby attraction: Vulcania (exit 28) – an interactive volcano theme park, ideal for ages 4–14
• Distance to Vulcania from highway: 12 km, about 12 minutes

Pet-Friendly Framework

The route is pet-friendly. All rest areas allow dogs on leashes, and many restaurants with terraces welcome pets. Vulcania permits dogs on leashes. The Montbrisson-les-Bains service area has a dedicated dog relief area.

• Pet acceptance: all aires de service allow dogs; some have water bowls
• Recommended stop: Aire de la Chaux (km 40) – large grassy area for dog breaks
• Nearby vet: Clinique Vétérinaire de la Vallée (Thiers, exit 27, +33 4 73 80 10 20)

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones

With a driving time under two hours, fatigue is not a major issue, but it's wise to stop every hour. The highway has 8 official rest areas (aires de repos) and 4 service stations (aires de service) with fuel, food, and sometimes hotels.

• Aire de la Celle (km 30): quiet, shaded, bench seating – ideal for a power nap
• Aire de la Boissonnière (km 110): larger, with a café and restroom attendants
• Aire de la Limagne (km 150): last stop before Clermont-Ferrand, panoramic view of volcanoes

Hidden Off-Route Spots

For those willing to detour 10–15 minutes, these hidden gems are worth the extra time.

• Village of Châteldon (detour 8 km from exit 30): medieval streets, mineral springs, and a castle
• Rocher de la Pérouse (near Thiers): a basalt cliff with a chapel carved into the rock (5 km detour)
• Abbaye de la Chaise-Dieu (30 km south of the route, but a scenic drive): a 14th-century abbey with stunning architecture; allow 2 hours extra

Local Commerce & Culture

Weekly markets in villages along the route sell local crafts, honey, and cheese. The town of Thiers is famous for cutlery (coutellerie) with dozens of workshops open to visitors.

• Marché de Thiers (Saturday morning): over 100 stalls including knife artisans
• Noirétable market (Sunday morning): local charcuterie and cheeses
• Visit a coutellerie: L'Escalier de la Coutellerie (Thiers) offers free workshops for children